JPWO2009148159A1 - POSITION INFORMATION GENERATION METHOD AND DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: There is no need to consider the pressing force of a pen tip, and it is not necessary to arrange detection linear electrodes at a high density in a position designation region. Generate accurate location information. In a state where one potential of a pair of transmission electrodes is fixed to a predetermined potential and an AC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of transmission electrodes, the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point While detecting an alternating voltage induced between the pair of transmitting electrodes, the other of the pair of transmitting electrodes is fixed at a predetermined potential and an alternating voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of electrodes. An alternating voltage induced between the fixed potential point is detected, and position information of the position specifying tool in a predetermined direction is generated based on the detected pair of induced voltages. [Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a position information input method and apparatus suitable as, for example, an input device for a computer-applied toy incorporating a GUI (Graphical User Interface), and more particularly to a capacitance type position information input method and apparatus.

  The present applicant has previously proposed various resistance-type position information input devices suitable as an input device for a computer-applied toy incorporating a GUI (Graphical User Interface).

  This resistance-type position information input device includes a coordinate board (area-supported object) on which a XY orthogonal coordinate area (designation target area) having a rectangular outline capable of specifying a position is carried on the surface, and a pointed tip portion on a coordinate board. And a pen (position specifying tool) capable of specifying arbitrary coordinates by being pressed against the surface of.

  On the surface of the coordinate board, there is a pressure-sensitive layer formed by opposingly arranging two sheets having a carbon printing layer as a resistance layer on the surface with a minute gap (for example, 0.1 mm). A pair of reference-side electrodes for detecting the X-axis direction position is provided at both ends of the X-axis direction in one of the two sheets constituting the pressure-sensitive layer, and a Y-axis direction position is detected at both ends of the Y-axis direction. A pair of reference-side electrodes are arranged. On the other sheet, detection-side electrodes for X-axis direction position detection and Y-axis direction position detection are arranged.

  When a reference DC voltage is applied to the reference side electrode in the X-axis direction, when the tip of the pen is pressed against an arbitrary position on the coordinate board, the tip is pressed against the detection-side electrode in the X-axis direction. A divided voltage corresponding to the position of the point in the X-axis direction is generated. In addition, when a reference DC voltage is applied to the reference side electrode in the Y-axis direction, if the tip of the pen is pressed against an arbitrary position on the coordinate board, the pressing is applied to the detection-side electrode in the Y-axis direction. A divided voltage corresponding to the position of the selected point in the Y-axis direction is generated. Therefore, by repeating the above-described X-axis direction position detection operation and Y-axis direction position detection operation alternately at high speed, XY coordinate information corresponding to an arbitrary position designated by pressing the tip of the pen is generated. be able to.

  However, in such a resistance-type position information generation device, two sheets having a carbon printing layer serving as a resistance layer on the surface are arranged to face each other with a minute gap (for example, 0.1 mm). In addition, it is necessary to disperse and arrange the spacer protrusions at uniform intervals over the entire surface of the sheet, and the resistance layers cannot be contacted at the spacer protrusions, resulting in blind spots where coordinates cannot be detected. In addition, since the setting of the pressing force required to bring the resistance layers into contact with each other is delicate, it may cause malfunction due to the pen pressing force of the operator, and the rigidity of the sheet constituting the pressure-sensitive layer It has been pointed out that it is difficult to form a curved surface.

  On the other hand, as a device that can solve the above-described problems, various types of capacitance type position information generating devices have been known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  These electrostatic capacitance type position information generating devices include a coordinate board (area-supported object) on which an XY orthogonal coordinate area (designation target area) having a rectangular outline capable of position designation is carried on the surface, and a sharp tip. And a pen (position specifying tool) capable of specifying arbitrary coordinates by bringing the surface close to the surface of the coordinate board.

  A plurality of parallel first linear electrodes extending in the X-axis direction and a plurality of parallel second linear electrodes extending in the Y-axis direction are arranged on the surface of the coordinate board. In the case of a liquid crystal display, these linear electrodes correspond to a common electrode and a segment electrode.

The pen tip approaches the surface of the coordinate board in the state of selecting one of the first linear electrodes in sequence and repeating the operation of selecting a series of electrodes constituting the second linear electrode while making a round scan. Then, the potential difference between the electrodes at the intersection of the first and second electrodes corresponding to the tip position changes, or a voltage change appears in the receiving electrode incorporated in the pen. By comparing these change timings with the selection states of the first and second electrodes, XY coordinate information corresponding to the position at which the tip of the pen approaches is generated.
JP 2002-342033 A JP-A-8-305493

  However, in the above-described electrostatic capacitance type position information generation device, it is not necessary to bring the pen tip into contact with the coordinate board, so that consideration for the pressing force of the pen tip is unnecessary, but the position detection accuracy is increased. For this purpose, the first and second linear electrodes must be arranged at a high density on the coordinate board, and a scanning drive circuit having a complicated circuit configuration is prepared for the selective drive thereof. There is a problem that it cannot be manufactured at low cost.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems. The object of the present invention is that it is unnecessary to consider the pressing force of the pen tip, and the linear electrode for detection is located in the position designation region. Another object of the present invention is to provide a position information generation method and apparatus capable of generating high-accuracy position information with a relatively simple circuit configuration without having to be arranged in a high density inside.

  Another object of the present invention is to detect the position with high accuracy and generate corresponding position information without bringing the tip of the position specifying tool such as a pen so close to the surface of the coordinate board. A position information generation method and apparatus that can be applied as a so-called “book mat type tablet”, in which position information is generated by designating an arbitrary position even from a book placed on a coordinate board. It is to provide.

  Other objects and operational effects of the present invention should be easily understood by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description of the specification.

  It is considered that the above technical problem can be solved by a position information generation method and apparatus having the following configuration.

  That is, in the position information generating apparatus of the present invention, a designation target region (the region contour is not limited to a rectangle, and the surface may be a flat surface or a curved surface) that can be designated in a predetermined direction is carried on the surface. An area-carrying object (whether flat, cylindrical, spherical, or any other three-dimensional shape) and the surface of the area-carrying object can be specified to specify an arbitrary position in a specified direction within the specified target area. Position designation tools (not limited to the pen shape, but including any shape such as a spherical shape, a cylindrical shape, a cube, etc.).

  The area carrying object is a predetermined direction of the designation target area (generally, a direction along a straight line, but also includes a direction along a circumference, a direction along an arc, and a direction along an arbitrary curve). And a pair of transmitting electrodes (the shape thereof is not limited to a linear shape but includes any shape such as a dot shape or a belt shape), and the position specifying tool includes the pair of transmitting electrodes. A receiving electrode (its shape is usually a dot shape or a voltage corresponding to the AC waveform if the applied voltage between the electrodes is an AC voltage) via the capacitance between each electrode. Will be linear).

  In the above-described position information generation device, one potential of the pair of transmission electrodes is further set to a predetermined potential (generally a ground potential, but may be a fixed potential having any other direct current value). AC voltage having a predetermined value (the magnitude is determined by the required position detection sensitivity) between the pair of transmission electrodes (the waveform is a sine wave, rectangular wave, sawtooth wave, triangular wave) In this state, an alternating voltage induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point is detected as one of a pair of induced voltages (this detection is In general, the DC voltage obtained by rectifying and smoothing is detected, but the instantaneous value of the AC voltage waveform may be directly detected to obtain the peak value), while the pair of transmissions Predetermine the other electrode In a state where an alternating voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of electrodes and the pair of electrodes, an alternating voltage induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point is induced. It detects as the other of the voltages, and generates position information in a predetermined direction of the position specifying tool based on the detected pair of induced voltages (this position information generation is performed by using each of the pair of induced voltage values as a predetermined value). It may be an arithmetic method obtained by substituting it into an arithmetic expression, or a table lookup method for reading out relevant position information by referring to a table in which calculation results are stored in advance. The position information generated by the information generation means is output as position information in a predetermined direction within the specified target area specified by the position specifying tool.

  According to such a configuration, since it is basically a capacitance type capable of non-contact instruction, it is not necessary to consider the pressing force of the pen tip, and basically a pair of transmission electrodes Therefore, it is not necessary to arrange the detection linear electrodes in the position designation area at high density, and in addition, it is possible to detect where the entire length in the predetermined direction is designated by only two detection operations. Therefore, it is possible to generate highly accurate position information with a relatively simple circuit configuration without the need for a complicated progressive scanning circuit. Moreover, since it is a capacitance type, the sensing distance between the coordinate board constituting the position designation area and the tip of the position designation tool can be easily increased if the frequency and electrode arrangement of the AC power supply used are devised. Therefore, it is possible to detect the position with high accuracy and generate the corresponding position information without bringing the tip of the position specifying tool such as a pen so close to the surface of the coordinate board. Even from the top, it can be applied as a so-called “book mat type tablet” in which position information is generated by designating an arbitrary position.

  In the above-described position information generation device, one or two or more auxiliary electrodes are arranged at a predetermined interval between the pair of transmission electrodes in the designation target region, and each of the auxiliary electrodes is provided. May be arranged such that one or two or more potentials obtained by dividing the voltage applied between the pair of transmission electrodes are provided in order.

  According to such a configuration, each of the auxiliary electrodes arranged between the pair of transmission electrodes functions as an electrode having a corresponding divided voltage, so that the spatial potential covering the position designation region is a distance in a predetermined direction. As a result, the specified position detection accuracy can be improved.

  In the above-described position accuracy generation device, the AC voltage applied between the pair of transmission electrodes may be an AC voltage in a high frequency region of 20 kHz to 500 kHz.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to satisfactorily satisfy the required operability or position designation accuracy when assuming applications such as a computer input tablet and a book mat type tablet. At this time, if the applied voltage frequency is lower than 20 kHz, it is inconvenient in relation to audible noise, and conversely if it is higher than 500 kHz, it is inconvenient in relation to broadcast frequency.

  In the above-described position information generation device, the position information generation means may be realized by being divided into three parts: a switch circuit, an AC / DC conversion circuit, and a control means.

  Here, the switch circuit has a first output terminal connected to one of the pair of transmission electrodes, and a second output terminal connected to the other of the pair of transmission electrodes, and the first circuit A first state in which the output terminal is connected to an AC power source and the second output terminal is connected to a fixed potential point, respectively, and the first output terminal is a fixed potential point and the second output terminal is an AC power source. Switching to the second state to be connected can be performed by external control.

  The AC / DC converter circuit converts an AC signal having a predetermined frequency induced in the receiving electrode into a DC signal having a DC voltage value corresponding to the AC voltage value.

  The control means is constituted by, for example, a microprocessor, sets the switch circuit to the first state, reads the voltage value of the DC signal obtained from the AC / DC converter circuit, and sets the switch circuit to the second state. The voltage value of the DC signal obtained from the AC / DC converter circuit is read, and position information corresponding to the position specified by the position specifying tool is generated based on the read pair of voltage values.

  According to such a configuration, the function necessary as the position information generating means is realized by dividing it into three parts, that is, a switch circuit, an AC / DC converter circuit, and a control means. Can be facilitated.

  The AC / DC converter circuit includes a preamplifier that amplifies a weak signal induced in the receiving electrode, a bandpass filter that extracts an AC signal having a predetermined frequency from the output signal of the preamplifier, and the bandpass filter. It may include a rectifier circuit that rectifies the extracted AC signal having a predetermined frequency, and a smoothing circuit that smoothes the pulsating signal output from the rectifier circuit.

  According to such a configuration, coupled with the noise component being removed by the band-pass filter, the DC voltage corresponding to the pair of induced voltages corresponding to the applied AC voltage can be obtained with a simple circuit configuration with high accuracy. It can be acquired well and reliably.

  According to another aspect of the position information generating apparatus of the present invention, the designation target region capable of specifying a position is brought close to the surface of the region carrying object and the region carrying object carried on the surface of the designation target region. And a position specifying tool capable of specifying an arbitrary position in the first direction and the second direction in the region.

  The region carrying object includes a pair of transmission electrodes for detecting a first direction position that are spaced apart from each other in a first direction along the surface of the designation target region, and the surface of the designation target region. And a pair of transmission electrodes for position detection in the second direction that are spaced apart from each other in the second direction along the second direction. Here, the first direction and the second direction are different directions, and typically these directions are orthogonal to each other. However, those directions are not necessarily limited to the orthogonal relationship.

  The position specifying tool has a receiving electrode in which a voltage is induced via a capacitance between the pair of transmitting electrodes in the first direction or the pair of transmitting electrodes in the second direction.

  In addition to the above configuration, in this position information generation device, one potential of the pair of transmission electrodes in the first direction is fixed to a predetermined potential, and a predetermined amount is set between the pair of transmission electrodes in the first direction. In a state where an alternating voltage having a value is applied, an alternating voltage induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point is detected as one of a pair of induced voltages, while the first direction In a state where the other of the pair of transmission electrodes is fixed at a predetermined potential and an AC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of transmission electrodes in the first direction, the reception electrode and the fixed potential point of the position specifying tool And detecting the alternating voltage induced between the first and second induced voltages as the other of the pair of induced voltages, generating position information in the first direction of the position specifying tool based on the detected pair of induced voltages, and the first A pair of feeds in two directions In a state where one potential of the electrode is fixed to a predetermined potential and an AC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of transmission electrodes in the second direction, the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool, the fixed potential point, While the other of the pair of transmission electrodes in the second direction is fixed at a predetermined potential and the pair of transmission electrodes in the second direction is fixed between the pair of transmission electrodes in the second direction. In a state where an alternating voltage having a predetermined value is applied, an alternating voltage induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point is detected as the other of the pair of induced voltages, and the detected pair Position information generating means for generating position information in the second direction of the position specifying tool based on the induced voltage of the first direction and the second direction generated by the position information generating means. position And outputs as the position information of the specified designated target area by a distribution the position specification device has become so.

  According to such a configuration, basically, since it is a capacitance type capable of non-contact instruction, it is not necessary to consider the pressing force of the pen tip, and each of the first and second directions. In principle, since a pair of transmission electrodes is sufficient, there is no need to arrange the detection linear electrodes in the position designation region at a high density, and in addition, detection is performed only twice in each direction. Since it is possible to detect where the position in the entire length in the predetermined direction is designated by the operation, it is possible to generate highly accurate position information with a relatively simple circuit configuration without the need for a complicated sequential scanning circuit. Moreover, since it is a capacitance type, the sensing distance between the coordinate board constituting the position designation area and the tip of the position designation tool can be easily increased if the frequency and electrode arrangement of the AC power supply used are devised. Therefore, it is possible to detect the position with high accuracy and generate the corresponding position information without bringing the tip of the position specifying tool such as a pen so close to the surface of the coordinate board. Even from the top, it can be applied as a so-called “book mat type tablet” in which position information is generated by designating an arbitrary position.

  In the position information generation device described above, the pair of transmission electrodes for detecting the first direction position and / or the pair of transmission electrodes for detecting the second direction position may be a pair of linear electrodes. .

  According to such a configuration, in both the first and second directions, it is possible to easily create an electric field strength distribution that changes in accordance with the distance in each direction in the designation target region, and thereby the position information Accuracy can be improved. At this time, if the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal to each other, it is suitable for generation of designated position information in a two-dimensional coordinate system having two orthogonal axes.

  In the above-described position information generation device, the pair of linear electrodes for detecting the first direction position are located at both ends in the first direction, arranged along the edge of the designation target region, and The pair of linear conductors for position detection in the second direction may be arranged at both ends in the second direction and along the edge of the designated target region.

  That is, the designation target area is not limited to having a rectangular outline, and when the outline has a non-rectangular shape such as an oval shape, a fan shape, or a rhombus shape, the first and second By arranging the linear electrodes along a pair of edges (for example, arcuate edges) opposed to the two directions, the first and second directions inside the designated target area regardless of the contour shape of the designated target area It is possible to accurately detect the designated position and generate corresponding position information in two directions.

  In the above-described position information generation device, one or two or more auxiliary electrodes for position detection in the first direction are provided between the pair of transmission electrodes for position detection in the first direction within the designation target region. Are arranged at predetermined intervals, and one or more potentials obtained by dividing the voltage applied between the pair of transmission electrodes for detecting the first direction are arranged on each of the auxiliary electrodes. Further, one or two or more auxiliary electrodes for second direction position detection are arranged at predetermined intervals between the pair of transmission electrodes for second direction position detection, and each of the auxiliary electrodes Alternatively, one or two or more potentials obtained by dividing a voltage applied between the pair of transmission electrodes for detecting the second direction position may be given in order.

  According to such a configuration, in each of the first and second directions, each of the auxiliary electrodes arranged between the pair of transmission electrodes functions as an electrode of the corresponding divided voltage potential. In both the first and second directions, the spatial potential that covers is corrected to a proportional distribution according to the distance in the predetermined direction, and as a result, the specified position detection accuracy can be improved.

  In the position information generating apparatus described above, the AC voltage applied between the pair of transmission electrodes may be an AC voltage in a high frequency region of 20 kHz to 500 kHz.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to satisfactorily satisfy the required operability or position designation accuracy when assuming applications such as a computer input tablet and a book mat type tablet. At this time, if the applied voltage frequency is lower than 20 kHz, it is inconvenient in relation to audible noise, and conversely if it is higher than 500 kHz, it is inconvenient in relation to broadcast frequency.

  In the position information generation apparatus described above, the position information generation means may be realized by being divided into a switch circuit, an AC / DC conversion circuit, and a control means.

  Here, the switch circuit is connected to the first output terminal connected to one of the pair of transmission electrodes for detecting the first direction position and the other of the pair of transmission electrodes for detecting the first direction position. A second output terminal, a third output terminal connected to one of the pair of transmission electrodes for position detection in the second direction, and a second output terminal connected to the other of the pair of transmission electrodes for position detection in the second direction. A first output terminal connected to an AC power source, the second output terminal connected to a fixed potential point, and the third and fourth output terminals connected to the fixed potential point. A second state in which the first output terminal is connected to a fixed potential point, the second output terminal is connected to an AC power source, and the third and fourth output terminals are connected to the fixed potential point. And the third output terminal as an AC power source and the fourth output terminal as a fixed potential point. A third state in which the first and second output terminals are electrically connected to the fixed potential point; the third output terminal as a fixed potential point; the fourth output terminal as an AC power source; Switching to the fourth state in which the first and second output terminals are brought into conduction with the fixed potential point can be performed by external control.

  The AC / DC converter circuit converts an AC signal having a predetermined frequency induced in the receiving electrode into a DC signal having a DC voltage value corresponding to the AC voltage value.

  The control means is constituted by, for example, a microprocessor, sets the switch circuit to the first state, reads the voltage value of the DC signal obtained from the AC / DC converter circuit, and sets the switch circuit to the second state. The position information corresponding to the position in the first direction designated by the position designation tool is read based on the read voltage value of the DC signal obtained from the AC / DC converter circuit and based on the read pair of voltage values. The switch circuit is set to the third state, the voltage value of the DC signal obtained from the AC / DC converter circuit is read, and the switch circuit is set to the fourth state, and the AC / DC converter circuit is set. The position information corresponding to the position in the second direction designated by the position designating tool is read based on the read voltage value of the DC signal obtained from the pair of voltage values. To generate.

  According to such a configuration, the function necessary as the position information generating means is realized by dividing it into three parts, that is, a switch circuit, an AC / DC converter circuit, and a control means. Can be facilitated.

  The AC / DC converter circuit includes a preamplifier that amplifies a weak signal induced in the reception electrode, a bandpass filter that extracts an AC signal having a predetermined frequency from the output signal of the preamplifier, and the bandpass filter. A rectifier circuit that rectifies the AC signal having a predetermined frequency and a smoothing circuit that smoothes the pulsating signal output from the rectifier circuit may be included.

  According to such a configuration, coupled with the noise component being removed by the band-pass filter, the DC voltage corresponding to the pair of induced voltages corresponding to the applied AC voltage can be obtained with a simple circuit configuration with high accuracy. It can be acquired well and reliably.

  Furthermore, the present invention viewed from another aspect can be grasped as a position information generation method. That is, in this position information generation method, a designation target area capable of specifying a position in a predetermined direction is brought close to the area carrying object carried on the surface thereof and the surface of the area carrying object. Including a position designator capable of designating an arbitrary position in a predetermined direction, and the region carrying object has a pair of transmission electrodes arranged separately at both ends in the predetermined direction of the designation target region, It is assumed that the position specifying tool has a receiving electrode in which a voltage is induced via a capacitance between each of the pair of transmitting electrodes.

  Under such a premise, the position information generation method of the present invention fixes one potential of the pair of transmission electrodes to a predetermined potential, and applies an AC voltage having a predetermined value between the pair of transmission electrodes. In the applied state, an alternating voltage induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point is detected as one of a pair of induced voltages, while the other of the pair of transmitting electrodes is set to a predetermined potential. In a state where an AC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of electrodes while being fixed, an AC voltage induced between the receiving electrode and the fixed potential point of the position specifying tool is a pair of induced voltages. A position information generating step for detecting the other, and generating position information in a predetermined direction of the position specifying tool based on the detected pair of induced voltages, whereby the position information Outputs the position information generated by the formation means as the position information in the predetermined direction in the specified target area specified by the position specifying device, it is characterized in.

  Further, the position information generation method of the present invention viewed from another aspect is that the designation target area capable of position designation is brought close to the area carrying object carried on the surface thereof, and the surface of the area carrying object, A position designator capable of designating an arbitrary position in the first direction and the second direction in the designated target region, and the region-carrying object has both ends in the first direction along the surface of the designated target region A pair of transmission electrodes for detecting a first direction position that are spaced apart from each other, and a second direction position detection that is spaced from both ends in the second direction along the surface of the designated target region A pair of transmission electrodes, and the position specifying tool is configured to apply a voltage via a capacitance between each of the pair of transmission electrodes in the first direction or the pair of transmission electrodes in the second direction. It has a receiving electrode that is induced by The one in which the premise.

  Under such a premise, the position information generation method of the present invention has a first step and a second step.

  Here, in the first step, one potential of the pair of transmission electrodes in the first direction is fixed to a predetermined potential, and an AC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of transmission electrodes in the first direction. In the state, an alternating voltage induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point is detected as one of a pair of induced voltages, while the other of the pair of transmitting electrodes in the first direction is predetermined. An alternating current induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point in a state where an alternating voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of transmitting electrodes in the first direction while being fixed to a potential. The voltage is detected as the other of the pair of induced voltages, and position information of the position specifying tool in the first direction is generated based on the detected pair of induced voltages.

  In the second step, one potential of the pair of transmission electrodes in the second direction is fixed to a predetermined potential, and an AC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of transmission electrodes in the second direction. And detecting the alternating voltage induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point as one of a pair of induced voltages, while setting the other of the pair of transmitting electrodes in the second direction to a predetermined potential. And an AC voltage induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point in a state where an AC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of transmitting electrodes in the second direction. Is detected as the other of the pair of induced voltages, and position information of the position specifying tool in the second direction is generated based on the detected pair of induced voltages.

  According to the present invention, there is no need to consider the pressure of the pen tip, and it is not necessary to arrange the detection linear electrodes in the position designation region at a high density, and in addition, a relatively simple circuit. With this configuration, highly accurate position information can be generated, and the position information can be detected with high accuracy and the corresponding position information can be generated without bringing the tip of a position specification tool such as a pen as close to the surface of the coordinate board. Position information generation that can be applied as a so-called "book mat type tablet" that can generate position information by designating an arbitrary position even from a book placed on a coordinate board A method and apparatus can be realized.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a position information generation method and apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view (first embodiment) showing an example of a position information generating apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, this position information generating apparatus is roughly composed of a coordinate board 1 that functions as a region carrying object of the present invention and a pen 2 that functions as a position specifying tool of the present invention.

  The coordinate board 1 in this example has a window frame-like appearance having a rectangular window 1b on its upper surface. A resin-made surface plate 10 having a flat surface is fitted in the rectangular window 1b, and two surfaces having two orthogonal axes are shown in the center of the upper surface of the surface plate 10 as shown by hatching in the figure. A rectangular designation target region 1a that can be designated using a dimensional coordinate system is carried. The designated target area 1a shown in the figure has two parallel long sides extending in the X-axis direction and two parallel short sides extending in the Y-axis direction.

  A pair of transmitting electrodes 51 and 52 for detecting the position in the X-axis direction are arranged at both ends in the X-axis direction of the designation target region 1a along two parallel short sides extending in the Y-axis direction. Has been. In other words, the pair of transmission electrodes 51 and 52 for detecting the position in the X-axis direction are arranged separately at both ends in the X-axis direction along the surface of the designation target region 1a. Further, as is apparent from FIG. 1, the first transmission electrode 51 and the second transmission electrode 52 constituting the pair of transmission electrodes are both linear linear electrodes.

  Similarly, a pair of transmission electrodes 61 for detecting the position in the Y-axis direction are provided at both ends in the Y-axis direction of the designation target region 1a along two parallel long sides extending in the X-axis direction. , 62 are arranged. In other words, the pair of transmitting electrodes 61 and 62 for detecting the position in the Y-axis direction are arranged separately at both ends in the Y-axis direction along the surface of the designation target region 1a. Further, as is apparent from FIG. 1, the first transmission electrode 61 and the second transmission electrode 62 constituting the pair of transmission electrodes are both linear linear electrodes.

  About the material thru | or arrangement | positioning structure of these four linear electrodes 51, 52, 61, 62, it forms on the surface or the back surface of the surface board 10 using a printing technique, or a conductive tape is used for the surface of the surface board 10, or Appropriate techniques such as attaching to the back surface or laying a conductive wire (copper or aluminum wire material, etc.) on the front surface or the back surface of the surface plate 10 may be employed. In this example, FIG. As shown, the linear electrodes 51 and 52 are configured by embedding conductive wire members 51 a and 52 a on the lower surface side of the surface plate 10.

  On the other hand, the pen 2 that functions as a position specifying tool has a resin base, and has a pointed tip as shown in FIG. 1, and the tip has a conductive portion as shown in FIG. The receiving electrode 7 made of a material is arranged so as to protrude somewhat. And the arbitrary position in the X-axis direction (1st direction) and Y-axis direction (2nd direction) in the designation | designated object area | region 1a by making the front-end | tip of this pen 2 approach the upper surface (front surface) of the designation | designated object area | region 1a. Can be specified.

  In addition, there is one or two or more (two or more in this example) auxiliary for detecting the X-axis direction position between the pair of transmission electrodes 51 and 52 for detecting the position in the X-axis direction within the designated target area 1a. Electrodes 53, 53, 53... Are arranged in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval, and each of the auxiliary electrodes 53, 53, 53. One or two or more potentials obtained by dividing a voltage applied between the pair of detection transmission electrodes 51 and 52 are provided in the order of arrangement. Further, between the pair of transmission electrodes 61, 62 for detecting the Y-axis direction position, one or more (in this example, two or more) auxiliary electrodes 63, 63, 63. The auxiliary electrodes 63, 63, 63... Are each divided with a voltage applied between the pair of transmission electrodes 61, 62 for detecting the position in the Y-axis direction. One or two or more potentials obtained by pressing are applied in order.

  The materials and arrangement structure of the auxiliary electrodes 53 and 63 are the same as those of the transmission electrodes 51, 52, 61 and 62.

  A substrate (not shown) on which various circuits necessary for realizing the function of the position information generating device are accommodated inside the main body of the coordinate board 1 that functions as a region-carrying object. Is performed via the power cord 3, and the voltage signal induced at the receiving electrode 7 of the pen 2 is transmitted to the circuit on the board via the cable 2a, and is finally designated by the circuit on the board. Data is transmitted to the outside via the cable 4.

  Next, before explaining the operation of the substrate mounting circuit housed in the main body of the coordinate board 1, the principle of reading the designated coordinates in the position information generating apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. To do.

  For the convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the designated target area is a one-dimensional area (that is, a linear area). In that case, as shown in FIG. 6A, first, the potential of one (TE2) of the pair of transmission electrodes (TE1, TE2) is fixed to a predetermined potential (for example, GND potential) by the b-side connection of the switch SW02. In the state where an AC voltage (AC) having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of transmission electrodes (TE1, TE2) by the b-side connection of the switch SW01, the receiving electrode (RE) of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point ( (AC2) is detected (detected by the AC voltmeter M) as one of the pair of induced voltages.

  Next, the other (TE1) of the pair of transmission electrodes (TE1, TE2) is fixed to a predetermined potential (for example, GND potential) by connecting the switch SW01 to the a side, and the switch is connected between the pair of electrodes (TE1, TE2). The AC voltage (V1) induced between the receiving electrode (RE) of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point (GND) in a state where an AC voltage (AC) having a predetermined value is applied by the a side connection of SW02. Detection is made as the other of the pair of induced voltages (detected by the AC voltmeter M).

  Here, the distance between the designated position of the receiving electrode (RE) and the first transmitting electrode (TE1) is (L1), and the distance between the designated position of the receiving electrode (RE) and the second transmitting electrode (TE2) is (L2). The distance between the first transmission electrode (TE1) and the second transmission electrode (TE2) is (L0), the coupling capacitance between the reception electrode (RE) and the first transmission electrode (TE1) is (C1), and the reception electrode The coupling capacitance between (RE) and the second transmission electrode (TE2) is (C2). In addition, the distance said here is a distance along the surface of a designation | designated object area | region.

Then, assuming that the input capacity of the AC voltmeter (M) is negligibly small, for example, the distance (L1) along the surface of the designated target region between the first transmission electrode (TE1) and the reception electrode (RE). Is obtained by the following equation (Equation 1).

L1 = L0 × {V1 / (V1 + V2)} (Formula 1)

  Further, the value of the distance (L2) along the surface of the designated target region between the second transmission electrode (TE2) and the reception electrode (RE) is obtained by the following expression (Expression 2).

Also,

L2 = L0 × {V2 / (V1 + V2)} (Formula 2)

  Therefore, in the case of obtaining the designated position on the XY coordinates, the position information of the target designated position can be generated by obtaining a pair of induced AC voltages for each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. It is.

  However, since the AC voltmeter (M) normally has an input capacitance, the distance between the reception electrode (RE) and the first and second transmission electrodes (TE1, TE2) is too large, and the coupling capacitance (C1 , C2), the distance measurement error may become a value that cannot be ignored in this method. This is a problem that occurs when the distance in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction of the designation target region 1a is large, or when the distance between the designation target region surface (upper surface) and the reception electrode (RE) is large.

  In such a case, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), one or two or more (in this example, one) is in the designation target region and between the pair of transmission electrodes (TE1, TE2). 1 or obtained by dividing the voltage (AC) applied between the pair of transmission electrodes (TE1, TE2) to each of the auxiliary electrodes (AE) at a predetermined interval. What is necessary is just to comprise so that two or more electric potentials may be applied in order. That is, in the example of FIG. 6B, two resistance elements (Ra, Rb) are connected in series between the pair of transmission electrodes (TE1, TE2), and these resistance elements (Ra , Rb) is applied to the auxiliary electrode (AE).

At this time, it is ideal if the distance between the auxiliary electrode (AE) and the first transmission electrode (TE1) is (La) and the distance between the auxiliary electrode (AE) and the second transmission electrode (TE2) is (Lb). Assuming such a designated area, it is preferable that the relationship of the following equation (Equation 3) is satisfied. However, the relationship between Ra, Rb, La, and Lb must be determined to be an optimum value depending on the size, shape, surface irregularity, degree of curvature, etc. of the designated target region.

Ra / Rb = La / Lb (Formula 3)

  If an auxiliary electrode is added in this way, a coupling capacitance CX is also generated between the auxiliary electrode, and in general, the electric field distribution along the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is generally corrected to a relationship proportional to the distance. The position designation accuracy and the detection sensitivity are improved.

  In addition, just in case, even if the auxiliary electrode (AE) is added in this way, the relationship between the above formulas 1 and 2 does not change, and a pair of induced voltages (V1, V2) is added to these formulas. By substituting, it is possible to generate position information of the target designated position.

  The coordinate reading principle of the designated position described above can be efficiently realized with a simple configuration as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 by using the switch circuit 8 developed by the present inventors.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the switch circuit 8 includes a first output terminal 81 connected to one of the pair of transmission electrodes 51 for detecting the X-axis direction position, and a pair of positions for detecting the X-axis direction. A second output terminal 82 connected to the other 52 of the transmission electrodes, a third output terminal 83 connected to one of the pair of transmission electrodes 61 for Y-axis direction position detection, and a Y-axis direction position detection And a fourth output terminal 84 connected to the other 62 of the pair of transmission electrodes.

  Further, as shown in the table of FIG. 5, the switch circuit 8 includes a first output terminal 81 as an AC power source, a second output terminal 82 as a fixed potential point (GND), and the third and third output terminals. The first state (SW3 = a, SW1, 2, 4 = b) in which the four output terminals 83 and 84 are connected to the fixed potential point (GND), and the first output terminal 81 to the fixed potential point (GND). The second state in which the second output terminal 82 is connected to an AC power source and the third and fourth output terminals 83 and 84 are connected to a fixed potential point (GND) (SW4 = a, SW1,2,3 = b), the third output terminal 83 as an AC power source, the fourth output terminal 84 as a fixed potential point (GND), and the first and second output terminals 81 and 82 as fixed potential points (GND). And the third state (SW2 = a, SW1, 3, 4 = b) to be connected to the third output terminal 83 In a fourth state (SW1 = a, SW1 = a, GND), the fourth output terminal 84 is connected to the AC power source, and the first and second output terminals 81, 82 are connected to the fixed potential point (GND). SW2, 3, 4 = b) can be switched by external control.

  Therefore, as shown in the table of FIG. 5, by setting the switch circuit 8 to the first state by external control, the voltage between the X-axis direction second electrode 52 and the reception electrode 7 is changed to the switch circuit. 8 is set to the second state, the voltage between the X-axis direction first electrode 51 and the receiving electrode 7 is set, and the switch circuit 8 is set to the third state to set the Y-axis direction second electrode 62 to By setting the voltage between the receiving electrode 7 and the switch circuit 8 to the fourth state, it is possible to detect the voltages at the Y-axis direction first electrode 61 and the receiving electrode 7 respectively.

  Next, the entire position information generating apparatus including the electrode arrangement and the switch circuit 8 described above will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the position information generating apparatus causes the designated target area 1 a that can be designated to be close to the coordinate board 1, which is an area carrying object carried on the surface, and the surface of the coordinate board 1. And the pen 2 which is a position designating tool capable of designating an arbitrary position in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in the designation target area 1a.

  The coordinate board 1 has a pair of transmission electrodes 51 and 52 for detecting the position in the X-axis that are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction along the surface of the designation target area 1a, and a surface of the designation target area 1a. And a pair of transmitting electrodes 61 and 62 for detecting the position in the Y-axis direction that are spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 8, the coordinate board 1 is within the designation target area 1 a and has one or two or more (in this example, two or more) between the pair of transmission electrodes 51 and 52 for detecting the position in the X-axis direction. The auxiliary electrodes 53, 53, 53... For detecting the position in the X-axis direction are arranged in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval, and each of the auxiliary electrodes 53, 53, 53. One or two or more potentials obtained by dividing the voltage applied between the pair of transmission electrodes 51 and 52 for detecting the axial position through a resistor array (R11, R12, R13... R1 _n ) are arranged. Are given in order. Similarly, one or more (two or more in this example) auxiliary electrodes 63, 63, 63,... For detecting the Y-axis direction position are also provided between the pair of transmission electrodes 61, 62 for detecting the Y-axis direction position. Are arranged in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval, and are applied to the auxiliary electrodes 63, 63, 63... Between the pair of transmission electrodes 61, 62 for detecting the Y-axis direction position, respectively. One or two or more potentials obtained by dividing the voltage through the resistor string (R21, R22, R23... R2 _n ) are given in the order.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the pen 2 that functions as a position specifying tool includes a pair of transmission electrodes 51 and 52 in the X-axis direction or a pair of transmission electrodes 61 and 62 in the Y-axis direction. It has the receiving electrode 7 in which a voltage is induced via electric capacity.

  The switch circuit 8 includes a first output terminal 81 connected to one of the pair of transmission electrodes 51 for detecting the position in the X-axis direction and a second output terminal 81 connected to the other 52 of the pair of transmission electrodes for detecting the position in the X-axis direction. Two output terminals 82, a third output terminal 83 connected to one of the pair of transmission electrodes 61 for detecting the Y-axis direction position, and the other 62 of the pair of transmission electrodes for detecting the Y-axis direction position. And a fourth output terminal 84.

  The switch circuit 8 has a first output terminal 81 as an AC power source, a second output terminal 82 as a fixed potential point, and the third and fourth output terminals 83 and 84 as fixed potential points (GND). ), The first output terminal 81 to a fixed potential point (GND), the second output terminal 82 to an AC power source, and the third and fourth output terminals 83 and 84. Is connected to the fixed potential point (GND), the third output terminal 83 is connected to the AC power source, the fourth output terminal 84 is connected to the fixed potential point (GND), and the first and second output terminals are connected to the fixed potential point (GND). A third state in which the output terminals 81 and 82 are connected to a fixed potential point (GND), a third output terminal 83 to a fixed potential point (GND), the fourth output terminal 84 to an AC power source, and a first state The first and second output terminals 81 and 82 are connected to a fixed potential point (GND). In a fourth state, which is possible to switch setting in external control. These first to fourth states are controlled by switching operation signals from terminals T02, T03, T04, and T05 of a microprocessor (MPU) described later.

  The microprocessor (MPU) 150 functioning as a control means has five output terminals (T01, T02, T03, T04, T05) and one input terminal (T06). For example, the output terminal T01 is programmed so that a rectangular wave having a frequency of 20 kHz is always output. As a use frequency, a frequency in a high frequency band of about 20 kHz to 500 kHz is preferable. From the output terminals T02 to T05, four gate control signals with different phases are programmed to be cyclically output. The gate lines 80b, 80c, 80d, and 80e in the switch circuit 8 are controlled so as to be alternately opened in order by the four gate control signals (switching operation signals) having different phases, whereby the transistor lines 80f, 80g, 80h, and 80i are alternately driven sequentially, and thereby the first to fourth states in the switch circuit 8 described above are created.

  The microprocessor 150 that functions as a control unit controls the state of the switch circuit 8 via four gate control signals, thereby fixing the potential of one of the pair of transmission electrodes in the X-axis direction to a predetermined potential. An alternating voltage (20 kHz) induced between the receiving electrode 7 of the pen 2 and the fixed potential point (GND) in a state where an alternating voltage (20 kHz) having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of transmitting electrodes in the X-axis direction. ) Is detected as one of the pair of induced voltages, while the other 52 of the pair of transmission electrodes in the X-axis direction is fixed to a predetermined potential (GND), and a predetermined value is set between the pair of transmission electrodes 51 and 52 in the X-axis direction. An alternating voltage (20 kHz) induced between the receiving electrode 7 of the pen 2 and the fixed potential point (GND) is applied to the other of the pair of induced voltages in a state where an alternating voltage (20 kHz) having Detecting Te, based on their detected pair of induced voltage, and generates the position information in the X-axis direction of the tip of the pen 2.

  In addition, the microprocessor 150 functioning as a control unit fixes the potential of one of the pair of transmission electrodes 61 in the Y-axis direction to a predetermined potential (GND) and sets the predetermined potential between the pair of transmission electrodes 61 and 62 in the Y-axis direction. While an alternating voltage having a value (20 kHz) is applied, the alternating voltage (20 kHz) induced between the receiving electrode 7 of the pen 2 and the fixed potential point (GND) is detected as one of a pair of induced voltages. In the state where the other 62 of the pair of transmission electrodes in the Y-axis direction is fixed to a predetermined potential (GND) and an alternating voltage (20 kHz) having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of transmission electrodes 61 and 62 in the Y-axis direction. The alternating voltage (20 kHz) induced between the receiving electrode 7 of the pen 2 and the fixed potential point (GND) is detected as the other of the pair of induced voltages, and based on the detected pair of induced voltages. There, the air pump to generate the position information in the Y-axis direction of the tip of the pen 2.

  Here, the detection of the AC induced voltage by the microprocessor (MPU) 150 converts an AC signal of a predetermined frequency (20 kHz) induced in the receiving electrode 7 into a DC signal having a DC voltage value corresponding to the AC voltage value. This is done via an AC / DC converter circuit.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the direct conversion circuit includes a preamplifier (details will be described later) that amplifies a weak signal induced in the receiving electrode 7, and a bandpass that extracts an AC signal having a predetermined frequency from the output signal of the preamplifier. It includes a filter 120, a rectifier circuit 130 that rectifies an AC signal having a predetermined frequency (20 kHz) extracted by the bandpass filter 120, and a smoothing circuit 140 that smoothes a pulsating flow signal output from the rectifier circuit 130.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a field effect transistor (FET) 201 and resistors 202 and 203 are incorporated in the pen 2, and a resistor circuit is provided on the output side thereof as shown in FIG. 110 is provided, and a preamplifier for amplifying a weak signal induced in the reception electrode 7 is realized.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the resistors 120a and 120d, the capacitors 120b, 120c and 120f, and the operational amplifier 120e constitute a band pass filter for extracting a 20 kHz component.

  As shown in FIG. 11, resistors 130a, 130b and 130g, operational amplifiers 130c and 130h, and diodes 130d and 130e constitute an active full-wave rectifier circuit, and a resistor 140a and a capacitor 140b constitute a smoothing circuit. 140 is configured.

  In the microprocessor (MPU) 150, the DC voltage output from the smoothing circuit 140 constituting the AC / DC converter circuit is read from the terminal T06, thereby increasing the magnitude of the pair of induced AC voltages for each of the X-axis and Y-axis directions. DC voltage corresponding to the above is obtained, and by applying this to (Equation 1) and (Equation 2) described above, designated position information in each direction of the X axis and Y axis is obtained, and this is used as designated position data. The data is sent to an information processing apparatus such as a computer, a computer application game machine, and the like via the cable 4.

  In the above description, a rectangular object is shown as the designation target area 1a. However, as shown in FIG. 2, if the object is a spherical area-bearing object such as a globe, the surface is arranged in the longitude direction and the latitude direction. A mode in which square-shaped designation target areas 1a-1, 1a-2, and 1a-3 having appropriate sizes are formed by partitioning, and linear electrodes are arranged in an arc along the outer peripheral edge portion thereof. The present invention is also applicable.

  In addition, in the present invention, since the position can be specified even if it floats from the surface of the designation target area 1a, in the case of the coordinate board 1, a book is placed on the coordinate board 1 and further from above. The present invention can also be applied as a so-called book mat type tablet in which the position is designated with the pen 2.

  According to the present invention, there is no need to consider the pressure of the pen tip, and it is not necessary to arrange the detection linear electrodes in the position designation region at a high density, and in addition, a relatively simple circuit. With this configuration, highly accurate position information can be generated, and the position information can be detected with high accuracy and the corresponding position information can be generated without bringing the tip of a position specification tool such as a pen as close to the surface of the coordinate board. Position information generation that can be applied as a so-called "book mat type tablet" that can generate position information by designating an arbitrary position even from a book placed on a coordinate board A method and apparatus can be realized.

1 is an external perspective view (first embodiment) of a position information generating apparatus according to the present invention. It is an external appearance perspective view (2nd Embodiment) of the positional infomation generator which concerns on this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the capacitive coupling between a receiving electrode and a pair of transmitting electrodes. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) of the XY coordinate reading principle of a designated position. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) of the XY coordinate reading principle of a designated position. It is explanatory drawing which shows a coordinate reading principle. It is a whole circuit diagram of a position information reading device. It is a detailed circuit diagram of a position designation area. It is a detailed circuit diagram of a pen. It is a detailed circuit diagram of a band pass filter. It is a detailed circuit diagram of a rectification and smoothing circuit.

1 Coordinate board (region-supported object)
1a Designation target area 2 Pen (position designation tool)
2a Cable 3 Power cord 4 Cable (for specified position data output)
51 Linear first electrode in the X-axis direction 52 Linear second electrode in the X-axis direction 51a Linear first conductor in the X-axis direction 52a Linear second conductor in the X-axis direction 61 Linear first electrode in the Y-axis direction 62 Y-axis linear second electrode 7 Reception electrode 8 Switch circuit 81 First output terminal 82 Second output terminal 83 Third output terminal 84 Fourth output terminal 10 Surface plate 110 Resistor circuit 120 Band pass filter 130 Rectifier circuit 140 Smoothing circuit 150 Microprocessor (MPU)
AC AC power supply GND Ground potential point TE1 First transmission electrode TE2 Second transmission electrode RE Reception electrode AE Auxiliary electrode L0 Distance between first transmission electrode and second transmission electrode L1 Distance between reception electrode and first transmission electrode L2 Reception electrode The distance between the auxiliary electrode and the first transmission electrode Lb The distance between the auxiliary electrode and the second transmission electrode C1 The coupling capacitance between the reception electrode and the first transmission electrode C2 The reception electrode and the second transmission electrode CX Coupling capacitance between the receiving electrode and the auxiliary electrode M AC voltmeter SW01 1st switch SW02 2nd switch SW1 1st switch SW2 2nd switch SW3 3rd switch SW4 4th switch

Claims (15)

A region carrying object in which a designated target region capable of position designation in a predetermined direction is carried on the surface;
Including a position specifying tool capable of specifying an arbitrary position in a predetermined direction in the specified target area by approaching the surface of the area carrying object;
The region carrying object is:
Having a pair of transmission electrodes spaced apart at both ends in a predetermined direction of the designated target region;
The position specifying tool is:
A receiving electrode in which a voltage is induced via a capacitance between each of the pair of transmitting electrodes; and one potential of the pair of transmitting electrodes is fixed to a predetermined potential; and the pair of transmitting While an alternating voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the electrodes, the alternating voltage induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point is detected as one of a pair of induced voltages, Induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point in a state where the other of the pair of transmitting electrodes is fixed at a predetermined potential and an AC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of electrodes. A position information generating means for detecting the alternating voltage to be detected as the other of the pair of induced voltages, and generating position information of the position specifying tool in the predetermined direction based on the detected pair of induced voltages;
Thereby, the position information generated by the position information generating means is output as position information in a predetermined direction within the designated target area designated by the position designation tool.   One or two or more auxiliary electrodes are disposed at a predetermined interval between the pair of transmission electrodes in the designated target region, and each of the auxiliary electrodes is disposed between the pair of transmission electrodes. The position information generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one or two or more potentials obtained by dividing the applied voltage are given in order.   The position information generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the alternating voltage applied between the pair of transmission electrodes is an alternating voltage in a high frequency band of 20 kHz to 500 kHz. The position information generating means is
A first output terminal connected to one of the pair of transmission electrodes;
A second output terminal connected to the other of the pair of transmission electrodes,
A first state in which the first output terminal is connected to an AC power source and the second output terminal is connected to a fixed potential point;
A second state in which the first output terminal is connected to a fixed potential point and the second output terminal is connected to an AC power source;
A switch circuit that can be switched by external control,
An AC / DC conversion circuit for converting an AC signal of a predetermined frequency induced in the receiving electrode into a DC signal having a DC voltage value corresponding to the AC voltage value;
The switch circuit is set to the first state, the voltage value of the DC signal obtained from the AC / DC converter circuit is read, and the switch circuit is set to the second state to obtain the DC signal obtained from the AC / DC converter circuit. Control means for reading a voltage value of a signal and generating position information corresponding to a position designated by the position designation tool based on the read pair of voltage values. The position information generation device according to 1. The AC / DC converter circuit comprises:
A preamplifier for amplifying a weak signal induced in the receiving electrode;
A bandpass filter for extracting an AC signal of a predetermined frequency from the output signal of the preamplifier,
A rectifier circuit for rectifying an AC signal having a predetermined frequency extracted by the band-pass filter;
The position information generating apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a smoothing circuit that smoothes a pulsating flow signal output from the rectifier circuit. An area-bearing object in which a designated target area whose position can be designated is carried on its surface;
A position designator capable of designating an arbitrary position in the first direction and the second direction in the designated target region by approaching the surface of the region-carrying object;
The region carrying object is:
A pair of transmitting electrodes for position detection in the first direction, spaced apart at both ends in the first direction along the surface of the designated region;
A pair of transmission electrodes for position detection in the second direction spaced apart from each other in the second direction along the surface of the designated target region;
The position specifying tool is:
A pair of transmission electrodes in the first direction, or a reception electrode in which a voltage is induced via a capacitance between each of the pair of transmission electrodes in the second direction, and In a state where one potential of the pair of transmission electrodes is fixed to a predetermined potential and an AC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of transmission electrodes in the first direction, the reception electrode and the fixed position of the position specifying tool are fixed. An alternating voltage induced between the potential points is detected as one of a pair of induced voltages, while the other of the pair of transmission electrodes in the first direction is fixed at a predetermined potential, and the pair of transmissions in the first direction In a state where an alternating voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the electrodes, the alternating voltage induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point is detected as the other of the pair of induced voltages, and these are detected. Based on a pair of induced voltages Accordingly, position information in the first direction of the position specifying tool is generated, one potential of the pair of transmission electrodes in the second direction is fixed to a predetermined potential, and between the pair of transmission electrodes in the second direction In the state where an AC voltage having a predetermined value is applied to the AC, an AC voltage induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point is detected as one of a pair of induced voltages, while the second In a state where the other of the pair of transmitting electrodes in the direction is fixed to a predetermined potential and an AC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of transmitting electrodes in the second direction, the receiving electrode and the fixing of the position specifying tool are fixed. Position information that detects an alternating voltage induced between the potential point as the other of the pair of induced voltages and generates position information in the second direction of the position specifying tool based on the detected pair of induced voltages Generation means And
Thereby, the position information in the first direction and the second direction generated by the position information generation means is output as position information in the designated target area designated by the position designation tool. apparatus.   The position according to claim 6, wherein the pair of transmission electrodes for detecting the first direction position and / or the pair of transmission electrodes for detecting the second direction position are a pair of linear electrodes. Information generator.   The position information generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal to each other.   The pair of linear electrodes for position detection in the first direction are disposed at both ends in the first direction and are arranged along the edge of the designated target region, and the pair of lines for position detection in the second direction. The position information generation device according to claim 7, wherein the shape conductors are disposed at both ends in the second direction and along an edge of the designation target region.   One or two or more auxiliary electrodes for position detection in the first direction are arranged at predetermined intervals between the pair of transmission electrodes for position detection in the first target area. Each of the auxiliary electrodes is provided with one or two or more potentials obtained by dividing a voltage applied between the pair of transmission electrodes for detecting the first direction position in order, and further, the second direction position detection is performed. One or two or more auxiliary electrodes for detecting the second direction position are arranged at a predetermined interval between the pair of transmitting electrodes for each of the two electrodes, and each of the auxiliary electrodes is used for detecting the second direction position. The position information generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein one or two or more potentials obtained by dividing a voltage applied between a pair of transmission electrodes are provided in order.   The position information generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the AC voltage applied between the pair of transmission electrodes is an AC voltage in a high frequency band of 20 kHz to 500 kHz. The position information generating means is
A first output terminal connected to one of the pair of transmission electrodes for detecting the first direction position;
A second output terminal connected to the other of the pair of transmission electrodes for detecting the first direction position;
A third output terminal connected to one of the pair of transmission electrodes for detecting the second direction position;
A fourth output terminal connected to the other of the pair of transmission electrodes for position detection in the second direction,
A first state in which the first output terminal is connected to an AC power source, the second output terminal is connected to a fixed potential point, and the third and fourth output terminals are connected to the fixed potential point;
A second state in which the first output terminal is connected to a fixed potential point, the second output terminal is connected to an AC power source, and the third and fourth output terminals are connected to the fixed potential point;
A third state in which the third output terminal is connected to an AC power source, the fourth output terminal is connected to a fixed potential point, and the first and second output terminals are connected to the fixed potential point;
A fourth state in which the third output terminal is connected to a fixed potential point, the fourth output terminal is connected to an AC power source, and the first and second output terminals are connected to the fixed potential point;
A switch circuit that can be switched by external control,
An AC / DC conversion circuit for converting an AC signal of a predetermined frequency induced in the receiving electrode into a DC signal having a DC voltage value corresponding to the AC voltage value;
The switch circuit is set to the first state, the voltage value of the DC signal obtained from the AC / DC converter circuit is read, and the switch circuit is set to the second state and obtained from the AC / DC converter circuit. Reading the voltage value of the DC signal to be generated, and generating position information corresponding to the position in the first direction specified by the position specifying tool based on the read pair of voltage values,
The switch circuit is set to the third state, the voltage value of the DC signal obtained from the AC / DC converter circuit is read, and the switch circuit is set to the fourth state and obtained from the AC / DC converter circuit. Control means for reading the voltage value of the DC signal to be generated and generating position information corresponding to the position in the second direction designated by the position designation tool based on the read pair of voltage values. The position information generation device according to claim 6. The AC / DC converter circuit comprises:
A preamplifier for amplifying a weak signal induced in the receiving electrode;
A bandpass filter for extracting an AC signal of a predetermined frequency from the output signal of the preamplifier,
A rectifier circuit for rectifying an AC signal having a predetermined frequency extracted by the band-pass filter;
The position information generation device according to claim 12, further comprising a smoothing circuit that smoothes a pulsating flow signal output from the rectifier circuit. A region carrying object in which a designated target region capable of position designation in a predetermined direction is carried on the surface;
Including a position specifying tool capable of specifying an arbitrary position in a predetermined direction within the specified target area by approaching the surface of the area carrying object;
The region carrying object is:
Having a pair of transmission electrodes spaced apart at both ends in a predetermined direction of the designated target region;
The position specifying tool is:
A receiving electrode in which a voltage is induced via a capacitance between each of the pair of transmitting electrodes; and one potential of the pair of transmitting electrodes is fixed to a predetermined potential; and the pair of transmitting While an alternating voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the electrodes, the alternating voltage induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point is detected as one of a pair of induced voltages, Induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point in a state where the other of the pair of transmitting electrodes is fixed at a predetermined potential and an AC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of electrodes. A position information generating step of detecting the alternating voltage to be detected as the other of the pair of induced voltages, and generating position information in a predetermined direction of the position specifying tool based on the detected pair of induced voltages,
Thereby, the position information generated by the position information generating means is output as position information in a predetermined direction within the designation target area designated by the position designation tool. An area-bearing object in which a designated target area whose position can be designated is carried on its surface;
A position designator capable of designating an arbitrary position in the first direction and the second direction in the designated target region by approaching the surface of the region-carrying object;
The region carrying object is:
A pair of transmitting electrodes for position detection in the first direction, spaced apart at both ends in the first direction along the surface of the designated region;
A pair of transmission electrodes for position detection in the second direction spaced apart from each other in the second direction along the surface of the designated target region;
The position specifying tool is:
A pair of transmission electrodes in the first direction, or a reception electrode in which a voltage is induced via a capacitance between each of the pair of transmission electrodes in the second direction, and In a state where one potential of the pair of transmission electrodes is fixed to a predetermined potential and an AC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of transmission electrodes in the first direction, the reception electrode and the fixed position of the position specifying tool are fixed. An alternating voltage induced between the potential points is detected as one of a pair of induced voltages, while the other of the pair of transmission electrodes in the first direction is fixed at a predetermined potential, and the pair of transmissions in the first direction In a state where an alternating voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the electrodes, the alternating voltage induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point is detected as the other of the pair of induced voltages, and these are detected. Based on a pair of induced voltages Accordingly, a first step of generating position information in the first direction of the position specifying tool,
In a state where one potential of the pair of transmission electrodes in the second direction is fixed to a predetermined potential and an AC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the pair of transmission electrodes in the second direction, the position specifying tool An alternating voltage induced between the receiving electrode and the fixed potential point is detected as one of a pair of induced voltages, while the other of the pair of transmitting electrodes in the second direction is fixed to a predetermined potential, and the second In the state where an alternating voltage having a predetermined value is applied between a pair of transmitting electrodes in a direction, an alternating voltage induced between the receiving electrode of the position specifying tool and the fixed potential point is set as the other of the pair of induced voltages. A second step of detecting and generating position information in the second direction of the position specifying device based on the detected pair of induced voltages,
Thereby, the position information in the first direction and the second direction generated by the first and second steps is output as position information in the designated target area designated by the position designation tool. Location information generation method.

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